Kenya · Short Trips
2 Days Amboseli National Park Safari
Overview
If you only have one safari day to spare, make it Amboseli. The park's combination of vast elephant herds, open plains and the snow-capped silhouette of Mount Kilimanjaro make it Kenya's most photogenic national park, and this 2-day, 1-night itinerary delivers the experience in the smallest possible time window.
You depart Nairobi after breakfast on Day 1 and are on game drive in Amboseli by lunchtime. The afternoon drive among the famous elephant matriarchs is the highlight, ending with a Kilimanjaro sunset from Observation Hill. After dinner and a comfortable lodge night, you have one more morning game drive at first light when Kilimanjaro is at its clearest, before the drive back to Nairobi for late afternoon.
Ideal for layovers, business-trip extensions, expats based in East Africa, and travelers combining Kenya with another East African destination. Comfortable mid-range lodge accommodation throughout.
Highlights
- ✦Vast elephant herds beneath Mount Kilimanjaro
- ✦One of Kenya's most photogenic national parks
- ✦Climb Observation Hill for the sunset view
- ✦Mid-range lodge with full board
- ✦Private 4x4 Land Cruiser with pop-top roof
- ✦Best Kenya safari for limited time
- ✦Easily combinable with longer Mara or coast trips
- ✦Hippos, lion, giraffe, zebra, hyena and 400+ birds
Day-by-day itinerary
- 1
Nairobi → Amboseli National Park
Nairobi → Amboseli
Collect from your Nairobi hotel after breakfast for the four-hour drive south to Amboseli National Park. Lunch at your lodge, then an afternoon game drive into the legendary park where elephant herds amble beneath Mount Kilimanjaro. The famous Amboseli matriarchs, some of the most studied elephants in the world, will likely cross your path within the first hour. Look for hippo pods at Enkongo Narok swamp, hundreds of plains zebra, Maasai giraffes and over 400 bird species. Climb Observation Hill at sunset for a panoramic view across Lake Amboseli toward Tanzania. Sundowners on the verandah and dinner with Kilimanjaro glowing pink at dusk. Overnight at Amboseli Sopa Lodge or Ol Tukai Lodge.
Meals: L, D · Stay: Amboseli Sopa Lodge or Ol Tukai Lodge
- 2
Amboseli → Nairobi
Amboseli → Nairobi
Pre-dawn coffee and out by 6am for the morning game drive when Kilimanjaro is at its clearest and the elephants are walking out of the swamps in golden light. Drive the swamp circuit and the open western plains in search of lion, hyena, jackal and serval. Return to the lodge for breakfast and a swim, then check out for the drive back to Nairobi via lunch en route. You arrive in Nairobi by 5pm — drop-off at your hotel or directly at the airport for an evening flight. Two days, one of Africa's most photogenic parks, and a Kilimanjaro silhouette you will not forget.
Meals: B, L · Stay: N/A (departure)
Included
- ✓ Airport pickup and drop-off in Nairobi
- ✓ Full-board lodge accommodation (sharing twin/double room)
- ✓ Private 4x4 safari Land Cruiser with pop-top roof
- ✓ English-speaking professional driver-guide (other languages on request)
- ✓ All park entry and conservation fees as per itinerary
- ✓ Bottled drinking water during game drives
- ✓ Game drives as per itinerary
- ✓ All government taxes and KATO levies
- ✓ AMREF Flying Doctors emergency evacuation cover
Not included
- ✕ International airfare to/from Nairobi
- ✕ Kenya entry visa (apply online via eCitizen)
- ✕ Travel insurance (mandatory)
- ✕ Beverages, soft drinks, alcoholic drinks
- ✕ Tips and gratuities to driver-guide and lodge staff
- ✕ Personal expenses, laundry, telephone calls, souvenirs
- ✕ Optional activities (hot-air balloon, Maasai village, cultural visits)
What to bring
- • Lightweight neutral-color clothing (khaki, olive, beige)
- • Warm fleece for cool early morning game drives
- • Sun hat and sunglasses with UV protection
- • High-SPF sunscreen and lip balm
- • Insect repellent (DEET)
- • Comfortable walking shoes and sandals
- • Swimsuit for lodge pools
- • Binoculars (8x42 ideal for safari)
- • Camera with telephoto lens (200mm or longer)
- • Spare batteries, memory cards, power bank
- • Refillable water bottle
- • Small daypack
- • Anti-malarial prophylaxis (consult your doctor)
- • Copies of passport and travel insurance
Frequently asked questions
You may also like
Related kenya short trips & excursions
1 days · KenyaFrom $89 pp
Nairobi National Park Half-Day Safari Tour
The world's only wildlife park inside a capital city — lions, rhinos and giraffes against the Nairobi skyline, in 4 hours.
View itinerary →
1 days · KenyaFrom $145 pp
Nairobi Day Trip — Elephant Orphanage, Giraffe Centre & Karen Blixen Museum
Nairobi's three most-loved attractions in one day — baby elephants, hand-fed giraffes and the home of the woman who wrote Out of Africa.
View itinerary →
1 days · KenyaFrom $175 pp
Lake Naivasha & Hell's Gate Day Trip
Cycle among zebra and giraffe in Hell's Gate, hike a Lion King canyon, and cruise Lake Naivasha among hippos — Kenya's best one-day adventure.
View itinerary →